STEAM/STEM Core Skills

By: Tony DePrato | Follow me on Twitter @tdeprato

Developing STEM and STEAM programs (Science Technology Engineering/Art Mathematics) is very exciting, but I have noticed recently there is a lack of cohesive standards to measure progress.

Like many people, I am working on building a set of standards. Some are customized, and some are licensed.

In my research, and through various networking engagements, I have settled on a set of core skills that need to be incorporated throughout the STEAM environment. The standards are being built around these skills.

I have found more engagement among students if the skills are presented first. The skills tend to fuel the desire for hands on work. I also want students to not focus on grades and common rubric models. I want them to focus on creating and going through the design process.

These skills have been developed by the MIT FabLab Program. The FabLab has been operating for well over a decade, and many FabLab partners have developed programs for younger students as well.

The overall philosophy is to learn the skills at every level, but increase the difficulty and complexity within the projects as students gain experience.

The List

DIGITAL FABRICATION PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, AND MODELING

COMPUTER-CONTROLLED CUTTING / Drawing

ELECTRONICS DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MACHINING

EMBEDDED PROGRAMMING

3D MOLDING AND CASTING

COLLABORATIVE TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

3D SCANNING AND PRINTING

SENSORS, ACTUATORS, AND DISPLAYS

INTERFACE AND APPLICATION PROGRAMMING

EMBEDDED NETWORKING AND COMMUNICATIONS

MACHINE DESIGN

DIGITAL FABRICATION APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

INVENTION, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, AND BUSINESS MODELS

DIGITAL FABRICATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Looking at this list, it might seem impossible to imagine a Grade 3 or even Grade 8 students accomplishing these in a meaningful way. I would argue that all are achievable at least at the planning and design thinking stage. Most of these are achievable with the correct level or equipment and/or some creative outsourcing.